[Mama2Caden]

Endo Stage: Stage III
PCOS: If yes, ovarian drilling? No
Lap: Second look lap performed or howmany times did you get lap done? lap surgery in 2007 and hysteroscopy too. Didn't know i had Endo, conceived DS on Clomid in 2005.
Protocols followed: Naturally trying/clomid/injectibles/IVF. I was on Lupron supression for three months, then started injectibles. Had 3 IUI's no success, moved on into IVF, worked first time. DD born 1/14/09.

Any additional tips such as diet or excercise that you feel worked for you? I was an avid exerciser, so continued with running and lifting weights. I know there was a diet for Endo but I'm wasn't very motivated for it. The exercise mostly helped for the stress. When I began my IVF cycle I went to walking and kept that up all through my pregnancy. Eventually went back to lifting weights at my 8 week appointment. Lightly lifted weights.

Good luck to others.

[katerina]

Hello ladies,
Endo Stage: RE did not stage it, but the surgery lasted 3 hours, cysts on both ovaries, tubes, she said a lot was removed, so I guess it was pretty severe.
PCOS: No, but I do have hypothyroidism,which kind of messed up with my other hormones, like prolactin and androgens (they are elevated)
Lap: One on 1/9/09; found severe endo, tubes are clear.
Protocols followed: had one IUI with Letrozole and Ovidrel before the lap---BFN; 2nd IUI (same protocol as 1st one) 2 months after lap---BFN; 3rd IUI scheduled this cycle with Follistim and Ovidrel. Hoping for BFP. Getting really tired of this infertility journey....Not looking forward to IVF if needed.

[alg76]

endo stage: IV(severe) diagnosed in 1994!
PCOS: no
Lap: last lap performed in 2000, preventive meassures until 2007.
Treatments: IUIs, Ivf converted to IUI no BFP

Check my signature for the rest of the story, i never thought we would be where we are today!

[lilcbru]

Endo Stage: I don't know stage. I was just told severe.
PCOS: If yes, ovarian drilling? N/A
Lap: I begin seeking help for secondary infertility in Sept. 2008. I had a lap done in November and RE found severe endo. Had to remove a large cyst off right ovary. Tried IVF--empty follicle syndrome (due to endometrioma on left ovary?). Had another lap done in May to remove cyst off left ovary.
Protocols followed: I had DD naturally. I had a c-section, and there was no record of endo at that time. We began seeing RE in 9/08. I tried clomid for one month, but RE recommended going right to IVF, due to severity of endo. I have attempted two cycles--lupron, follistim, and menopur--both were step up protocols. I will be trying another cycle with step down protocol next.

Any additional tips such as diet or excercise that you feel worked for you? I haven't had any luck yet, but we are going to try naturally this month, since my cycle was canceled. Has anyone had any luck TTC naturally after a canceled IVF cycle? Any suggesstions for improving egg quantity (only had 6 follies first IVF and was only at 7 when this last one was canceled--may have had more pop up but they wouldn't have caught up)? I truly believe my ovarian reserve has been compromised, due to the cyst removal from both ovaries.

[flimsybolin]

Endo stage : 3 but tubes were open

Laps: 1 in March 2009

PCOS: No

Protocol: Pregnant naturally 3 months after lap (June) but miscarried at 6 weeks. We get to start trying again this month...hopefully it will be quick again!

Any additional tips such as diet or excercise that you feel worked for you? I had never really worked out in my life but I was just feeling so depressed all the time after trying for long my DH thought working out would help me feel better about myself and our situation. It really did and I was no longer living each day to get pregnant but living each day to get healthier and lose weight. And I got pregnant a month and half after we started working out daily! I still think it had something to do with it. Not only getting my body healthier but improving my overall mood and pulled me out of my slump.

It was so exciting to see that positive after TTC for 2 years. Heartbreaking when m/c occured but after all we'd been through tried to not get too excited becuase it seemed too good to be true. Doc says m/c isn't related to endo but still hard to believe and so worried that we don't be able to concieve again or m/c again. But we're trying to stay positive since it did actually happen!

[alicia3]

Endo Stage: 3
PCOS: No
Lap: 1 - everything grew back in 6 months. I did not do another one though.
Protocols followed: IVF ~ success!

My endo was fast growing and I could not keep it under control (so to speak). On my second IVF I hit the jackpot and 35 weeks later gave birth to very healthy triplets!

I have learned A LOT more about endo after my pregnancy. I have changed my diet to a gluten-free/casein free diet and it has helped me tremendously! I have "typical" periods now. The pain used to be so intense and now I can even sleep through the night.

I wrote an article about this on my blog. I am finishing a book on infertility as well and have done a lot of research on how diet can play a crucial role in endometriosis. I have since met women who changed their diet and were able to finally conceive! I don't want anyone to think this is a sure bet - because this diet certainly does not help all women with endo and fertility problems. All I know is that it has made a huge difference in my life.

Some doctors believe there is a link between gluten and endo. I think the diet is certainly worth a try and it cost you nothing! It is a big undertaking at first but the payoff can be amazing!

Here is the research I have done: Friend In Reach: Endometriosis Pain & Unexplained Infertility Linked to Wheat (a.k.a. Gluten)

I wish you the very best!

[Airman'sBaby]

Endo Stage: III (uterus, intestines, tubes)
PCOS: no official dx
Lap: 7/1/07 and 7/31/08; 6 mos Lupron-Depot (aka HELL) after 2nd lap
Protocols followed: Tubes are twisted and blocked; IVF was the only option

Any additional tips such as diet or excercise that you feel worked for you? Unfortunately, I've been dying to work out for 3+ years now, but even everyday activities like walking through the mall caused me to be in pain for days. I've tried light workouts, but they would cause so much pain that lasted for days and it put my job in jeopardy because I would have to take time off. Sorry I can't offer better advice

[Hazeld0409]

Anything is possible my beautiful ladies so stay positive and surround yourself with supportive people who understand your struggle so you can go through it a little bit easier. Good luck to everyone!!

Endo Stage: early.

PCOS: Yes, had hysteroscopy right before FET-found and removed large polyp in uteral lining and extracted persistent cyst.

Lap: One in 2005.

Protocols followed: After 2 failed IUI's tried minimal stimulation ivf (see signature for med details), transferred single frozen embryo.

Additional: took metformin and changed diet-lost 25 lounds leading up to FET. Also tried acupuncture several sessions leading up to FET, as well as a session immediately before and immediately after FET.